Summary of H.R. 7579: Rural Development Technical Assistance Act
Overview
The Rural Development Technical Assistance Act (H.R. 7579) aims to improve access to discretionary grant programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development division. The bill establishes a technical assistance set-aside to support low-capacity rural communities in navigating and applying for these important grant opportunities.
Key Provisions
- Technical Assistance Set-Aside: The bill requires the USDA to reserve at least 5% of the funds appropriated for its Rural Development discretionary grant programs to provide technical assistance to eligible rural communities.
- Eligible Communities: The technical assistance will target rural communities with limited administrative capacity or resources to effectively apply for and manage USDA Rural Development grants.
- Assistance Types: The technical assistance may include application preparation, project planning, financial management training, and other support to build the capabilities of low-capacity rural communities.
- Outreach and Partnerships: The USDA is directed to conduct outreach and establish partnerships with nonprofit organizations, universities, and other entities to deliver the technical assistance to eligible rural communities.
Potential Impact
This legislation is intended to address a key barrier facing many small, rural communities in accessing critical USDA grant funding for economic development, infrastructure, housing, and other priorities. By providing dedicated technical assistance resources, the bill aims to:
- Increase Grant Access: Empower more rural communities, especially those with limited capacity, to successfully apply for and utilize USDA Rural Development grants.
- Strengthen Rural Economies: Facilitate investments in rural infrastructure, business growth, affordable housing, and other community development initiatives funded by USDA grants.
- Build Local Capabilities: Enhance the ability of rural local governments and organizations to manage grant programs and projects effectively.
Procedural Considerations
- The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 13, 2026 and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for consideration.
- As with any legislation, the bill will need to proceed through the full legislative process, including potential amendments, committee markup, floor votes in both the House and Senate, and final approval before being signed into law by the President.
